Phillips

Phil-lips · proper noun

imported

Definitions

proper noun

  1. 1.

    A common English surname, patronymic meaning "son of Phillip."

  2. 2.

    (attributive) Denoting a type of screw or screwdriver with a cross-shaped slot.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Phillips head — a type of screw with a cross-shaped recess
  • •
    Phillips screwdriver — a screwdriver designed for Phillips head screws

Related words

See also: Philip, Phillip, screwdriver

Etymology

As a surname: patronymic from the given name Phillip + -s (possessive/genitive suffix). The Phillips screw was named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, who popularized it in the 1930s.